training camp: may 20–24, 2024

good dads Training Camp is
NOVEMBER 27 - dECEMBER 1, 2023

What is training camp?

Twice a year Good Dads brings together people interested in promoting responsible fatherhood and father engagement for a training and networking event. If you've been wanting to learn how to lead a Good Dads class, this event is for you!

Training Camp participants have the opportunity to...

1) Receive training in updated Good Dads curricula

2) Help members of their team or staff catch the vision of Good Dads for their community or organization

3) Network with community leaders to achieve  the common goal of encouraging engaged fatherhood.

Training Camp is an in-person, registration-only event taking place in downtown Springfield, MO.

Sugar cookies with blue icing and the Good Dads logo.

who is training camp for?

Good Dads' training camp is for anyone who wants to be more effective in their work with fathers. Nonprofit leaders, social workers, counselors, retirees, teachers, nurses, business leaders and public servants can all benefit from the courses provided by Good Dads.

Previous attendees  have gone on to use what they learned as professional resources in their place of work, as volunteer facilitators at Good Dads class sites, and in many other applications.

registration

The next Training Camp is set to take place May 20–24, 2024. Registration will open in March or April. To stay updated and to learn more, please contact Good Dads Director of Operations Rhonda Andersen:

417-501-8867
Rhonda@goodads.com

Good Dads Network Chapters have the opportunity to attend the training camp at a discounted rate. Facilitators in the Good Dads contract area may attend for free (but you still have to sign up).

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

Summer Training Camp 2022

Participants in Summer Training Camp 2022 have the opportunity to be trained in, and receive continuing education for, one or more of the following curricula.

On the schedule

Skilled presenters are hosting training sessions for two Good Dads classes: Good Dads 2.0 and Within My Reach. Good Dads 2.0 training takes place over three full days. Within My Reach training takes place over two full days plus one evening.

Good Dads 2.0

Good Dads 2.0 is a 16-part, evidence-based curriculum designed for any dad, and especially at-risk dads (with a history of incarceration, addiction, poverty and/or child support concerns). The course uses an extended construction analogy to describe how building a safe, solid house is not unlike raising a safe, happy family. It covers a variety of important topics, like values, reputations, communication, conflict resolution, stress and anger management, self confidence and more through facilitator-led discussion, thoughtful questions, engaging activities and expert video testimony. This course is used for all men enrolled in the New Pathways for Good Dads program and has been taught to more than 100 participants since 2021.

Within My Reach

Within My Reach is an 15-part healthy relationships course designed for individuals who may or may not be in a romantic relationship. The course, written and developed by Prep Inc, uses up-to-date research in communication, conflict management, emotional and physical safety, commitment, affect regulation and more to help individuals meet their goals for romantic relationships and develop skills in other kinds of relationships such as co-workers, neighbors, exes and family members.

Leaders and facilitators who attended the training event in summer 2022.

Additional information

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Training Camp will be located in Downtown Springfield, MO.

Skilled Good Dads presenters go through the curricula one lesson at a time to equip you with everything you need to know to effectively facilitate the courses yourself. You will sit with small groups but have opportunities to get up and collaborate with others as well as we go through the material. There's plenty of time to ask questions, role-play scenarios, and otherwise familiarize yourself with the material.

You can read more about Training Camp events on the Good Dads blog.

If you have questions about registration, please call our offices at 417-501-8867 or email us at info@goodads.com. We are happy to help.

WHAT TO Bring

A positive attitude!

Business casual dress code is recommended but not required. Please refrain from wearing clothing with vulgar language.

Lunch, beverages and refreshments are provided on-site all days of the week. Dinner is provided on Wednesday evening for those attending the Within My Reach training. We also host our training in the heart of Downtown, within walking distance of dozens of restaurants and cafes.

Good Dads provides writing materials and print-outs, but some of our trainees also take notes in their own notebooks.

You may also want to bring cash if you've had your eyes on Good Dads merchandise, like our T-shirts, Mason jars, or hats.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW
  • Fundamentals of Fatherhood
  • Working with At-Risk Fathers
  • Helping Fathers in the Heartland
  • Good Dads 2.0
  • PREP 8.0 (for work with couples)
* Please see individual course descriptions and content below.
  • (1 day/ 6 CEs) – Monday, June 13, Track 1
  • (1 day/ 6 CEs) – Monday, June 13, Track 2
  • (1 day/ 6 CEs) – Tuesday, June 14
  • (3 days / 18 CEs) – Wednesday-Friday, June 15-17
  • (3 days / 18 CEs) – Wednesday-Friday, June 15-17
Take a peek at previous training events:
Register Here


TRAINING CAMP: SUMMER 2022 TRAINING OPTIONS & ACTIVITIES

training camp calendar
Download

Fundamentals of Fatherhood Facilitator Training (1 day/ 6 CEs) – Monday, June 13, Track 1

Become a facilitator for this brand new curriculum focused on helping any father, stepfather, grandfather, or father-figure be more intentional in his role as a dad. Fundamentals of Fatherhood features the accumulated wisdom and strategies from coaches of winning teams in southwest Missouri sure to connect with dads you know.


PRESENTERS:

Jennifer Baker headshot

Jennifer L. Baker, PsyD MFT is a licensed clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Good Dads, a non-profit focused on helping fathers be more engaged with their children. From 2003-2011 she provided leadership for two large federal grants serving persons living in 29 counties in southwest Missouri. In 2018, she was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by Springfield Business Journal. She launched New Pathways for Good Dads, a program to help under-resourced dads overcome the barriers challenging their ability and opportunity to be good dads. Dr. Baker also served as an associate professor in marriage and family therapy and as the Director of the Murney Clinic, a community mental health clinic, in Springfield. She enjoys doing weekly podcasts with J Fotsch, developing programs to help dads and their families, and developing new ways to help over-the-road truck drivers stay connected with their kids.

Drew Dilisio headshot

Drew Dilisio, MS PLPC holds a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Drew is certified to teach PREP 8.0, Fundamentals of Fatherhood, and Helping Fathers in the Heartland. He specializes in Family Systems therapy with an emphasis on couples and fathers going through divorce. He is the counselor and community specialist at Good Dads. Drew is also an adjunct Professor at Evangel University where he teaches Counseling Skills in the graduate program. He has experience working with a variety of populations, from men at Victory Mission, a drug and alcohol treatment program, to being the counseling intern at Drury University. While at Drury he had the opportunity to learn a lot about stress and the stress response and building resilient college students.

To learn more about FOF, including learning objectives and how to receive APA-Approved Continuing Education, click here:


Working with At-Risk Fathers (1 day/ 6 CEs) – Monday, June 13, Track 2

Gain an overview and understanding about best practices in working with at-risk fathers. This training includes the following topics:



PRESENTERS:

Lara Fors headshot

Lara Fors, J.D. has 27 years of experience in administration, litigation, training, case management system design, and reviewing and making policy. At Public Knowledge® (PK), she supports the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) on the Employer Services and Data Access Teams in the Division of Federal Systems. For OCSE, she is a child support subject matter expert on child support issues with employers by developing process and procedures, giving technical assistance and outreach, and reviewing interagency legal agreements. She also contributes to PK’s work with one of the 2019-2021 OCSE intergovernmental improvement demonstration grantees overseeing the data reporting to the client. She previously served as the IV-D director in Missouri, and more recently, as the director of a three-county project in southwest Missouri. The latter included providing judicial services to establish and enforce child support orders in the three local jurisdictions and by making referrals to establish and modify orders other jurisdictions pursuant to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA).

Jason Hynson headshot

Jason Hynson is the Executive Director of Victory Mission and Ministry. Jason leads a great group of leaders and professionals.  Under Jason's leadership the organization has grown from two to 10 Chaplains serving the community through Victory. Organizationally, Victory Mission has seen success in playing the Great Game of Business. After implementing the practices of the Great Game of Business, Victory Mission paid off all long-term debt of almost $1 million. The team now understands how they can affect the bottom line. Both in the financials and impact on the individuals coming for assistance. God is doing a miracle at Victory. Now the Victory team looks forward to a post-Covid world to continue to transform and meet the needs of those in the margins who are looking for victory!

Mark McKnelly headshot

Mark McKnelly BS serves as the Director of the Restoration program at Victory Mission in Springfield, Missouri. He is also the author of Change for the Poor, where he speaks about the steps necessary to restore those with a history of substance abuse and/or incarceration to a life that includes restored relationships and full-time employment. Mark is a Certified Coordinator for Jobs for Life. He has worked closely with the New Pathways for Good Dads program since its introduction at Victory Mission in June 2018.



To learn more about Working with At-Risk Fathers, including learning objectives and how to receive APA-Approved Continuing Education,
click here:



Helping Fathers in the Heartland (1 day/ 6 CEs) – Tuesday, June 14

Helping Fathers in the Heartland is designed to help any individual or group passionate about father engagement to make their dream a reality in their community, church, organization, or business. Using a practical, step-by-step process, this course covers the following topics:

  1. Assessing father engagement in a community or organization.
  2. Understand the relevance of father engagement to one’s setting (e.g. counseling center, community organization, business setting, faith community).
  3. Identify the steps to beginning a broad-based, father-focused initiative.
  4. Understand best practices and places to begin a father-focused initiative.
  5. Ways to fund efforts focused on father engagement.


PRESENTERS:

Jennifer Baker headshot

Jennifer L. Baker, PsyD MFT is a licensed clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Good Dads, a non-profit focused on helping fathers be more engaged with their children. From 2003-2011 she provided leadership for two large federal grants serving persons living in 29 counties in southwest Missouri. In 2018, she was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by Springfield Business Journal. She launched New Pathways for Good Dads, a program to help under-resourced dads overcome the barriers challenging their ability and opportunity to be good dads. Dr. Baker also served as an associate professor in marriage and family therapy and as the Director of the Murney Clinic, a community mental health clinic, in Springfield. She enjoys doing weekly podcasts with j Fotsch, developing programs to help dads and their families, and developing new ways to help over-the-road truck drivers stay connected with their kids.

Mike Dawson headshot

Mike Dawson EdD is the proud father of three children, Emma (21), Jack (17), and Christian (15). Mike and his wife Wendy are college sweethearts and following a life motto of, "see a need, fill a need".  Mike has been a public school educator for over 25 years and currently serves as the Executive Director of Instructional Services for the Branson School District. Mike's passion is to create school structures and systems to ensure all students can succeed. He is honored to partner with Good Dads as a way to promote parent engagement within schools throughout the region. Mike earned his doctorate degree from the University of Arkansas.

Drew Dilisio headshot

Drew Dilisio, MS PLPC Drew holds a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Drew is certified to teach PREP 8.0, Fundamentals of Fatherhood, and Helping Fathers in the Heartland. He specializes in Family Systems therapy with an emphasis on couples and fathers going through divorce. He is the counselor and community specialist at Good Dads. Drew is also an adjunct Professor at Evangel University where he teaches Counseling Skills in the graduate program. He has experience working with a variety of populations, from men at Victory Mission, a drug and alcohol treatment program, to being the counseling intern at Drury University. While at Drury he had the opportunity to learn a lot about stress and the stress response and building resilient college students.


To learn more about HFH, including learning objectives and how to receive APA-Approved Continuing Education, click here:


Good Dads 2.0 (3 days / 18 CEs) – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, June 15—17

Introducing Good Dads 2.0, a brand-new curriculum developed by Good Dads for working with at-risk fathers (i.e. history of drug use, incarceration, and/or poverty). This program incorporates builders, contractors, and tradesmen talking about the basics of constructing a strong and stable home as an analogy for the ways fathers can learn the skills to construct the kind of home they want for themselves and their children. Program modules include the following topics:

  • Introduction to Class Facilitation
  • Values
  • Labels & Manhood
  • Becoming Self-Sufficient
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Stress & Anger Management
  • Decision-Making & Your Support Network
  • Managing as a Single Father
  • Fatherhood Today
  • Impacting Your Children
  • Understanding What Children Need
  • You & Your Child's Self-Confidence
  • Helping Children Learn
  • Understanding the Child Support System
  • Moving Forward as a Good Dad



PRESENTERS:

Janice Reynolds headshot.

Janice Reynolds MS - Janice Reynolds has a BS in Elementary Education, an MS in Learning Disabilities, and an MS in Guidance and Counseling.  After retirement from a career in public school education, Janice was trained as a facilitator for Good Dads and has taught the Fatherhood Development Curriculum at a number a sites. In addition to helping to train new facilitators, Janice serves in a supervisory and mentoring role for new facilitators.

Sally Herman headshot

Sally Herman RN- Sally Herman is a retired registered nurse, a licensed minister, and a certified Faith Community Nurse. Sally’s involvement in Chi Alpha Campus Ministries of the Assemblies of God spanned over 40 years have prepared well for her work with group facilitation. She serves as a regular facilitator of the Fatherhood Development program with experience at three different sites.

To learn more about Good Dads 2.0, including learning objectives and how to receive APA-Approved Continuing Education, click here:



PREP 8.0 (3 days / 18 CEs) -- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, June 15—17

PREP, Inc. develops resources for couples, educators, therapist, and programs to support healthy and happy relationships. PREP 8.0 is evidenced-based program designed to help any couple achieve their goals in relationships, family, and marriage. The curriculum, based on a cognitive behavioral theoretical foundation, is designed to build on the existing strengths of the couple and add critical life and relationship skills that will help participants to create safer, more stable couple relationship, and by extension, better environments for their children.
To learn more about PREP, Inc. and their products, click here.



PRESENTERS:

Jennifer Baker headshot

Jennifer L. Baker, PsyD MFT is a licensed clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist with more than 30 years of experience working with couples and families. She has served as a Master Facilitator for PREP, training hundreds of individuals in PREP, Within Our Reach, and Within My Reach in Missouri and Kansas.

Dr. Baker is the Founder and Executive Director of Good Dads, a non-profit focused on helping fathers be more engaged with their children. From 2003-2011 she provided leadership for two large federal grants serving persons living in 29 counties in southwest Missouri. In 2018, she was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by Springfield Business Journal. She launched New Pathways for Good Dads, a program to help under-resourced dads overcome the barriers challenging their ability and opportunity to be good dads.

Dr. Baker also served as an associate professor in marriage and family therapy and as the Director of the Murney Clinic, a community mental health clinic, in Springfield. She enjoys doing weekly podcasts with j Fotsch, developing programs to help dads and their families, and developing new ways to help over-the-road truck drivers stay connected with their kids.


To learn more about PREP 8.0, including learning objectives and how to receive APA-Approved Continuing Education, click here:


Networking Opportunities

The Good Dads Training Camps offer unique opportunities to meet and network with other like-minded individuals and professionals. Networking opportunities include round-table discussions facilitated by individuals with similar interests or background (e.g. community organizers, mental health professionals, leaders in the faith community, schools and businesses). Check the schedule for breakfast and lunch opportunities in addition to various training options.

Summer Training Camp 2022 also offers participants the option of attending a backyard, poolside cookout at the home of Dr. Jennifer Baker, Founder & Director of Good Dads on Monday, June 13.
On Thursday, June 16, participants have the option of participating in the Good Dads @ the Springfield Cardinals evening with area dads and their families.